Merck Serono Launches Cyanokit In Japan
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
On March 19, Tokyo-based Merck Serono Co. launched Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) in Japan. Approved by Japan's Ministry of Health in September 2007, Cyanokit treats cyanide poisoning caused by hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives in both adults and children, and it will primarily be distributed to hospitals and emergency care centers. Administrated by intravenous infusion, Cyanokit is commercially available in the U.S. and recently approved in the European Union. Merck Serono applauded the launch of Cyanokit as a key milestone for emergency health professionals in Japan. Cyanide poisoning is primarily caused by smoke inhalation during closed-space structural fires. (Click here for more-Japanese language